Chiefs sign Breaston as camp begins

Thursday

KANSAS CITY — The Chiefs added another weapon to their growing collection of offensive skill players by agreeing to contract terms yesterday with free-agent wide receiver Steve Breaston.

Breaston is reunited with Chiefs Coach Todd Haley, who as Arizona’s offensive coordinator coached Breaston for the first two seasons of his NFL career. Breaston had the best year of his career in 2008 with Haley as his coach, catching 77 passes for 1,006 yards.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs suddenly have a hole at nose tackle. Starter Ron Edwards, also a free agent, agreed to contract terms with Carolina. That leaves the Chiefs with only veteran Shaun Smith, a free agent, and Jerrell Powe, a sixth-round draft pick. The Chiefs and Smith were negotiating a new contract.

But the news about Breaston, who will be 28 next month, should excite Chiefs fans. The Chiefs were 30th in passing yards a year ago, but Breaston and this year’s first-round draft pick, Jonathan Baldwin, should help quarterback Matt Cassel improve the attack.

Breaston, who is 6-foot,189 pounds, played four seasons in Arizona. Although his stats dropped off the last two seasons after Haley moved to Kansas City, Breaston still totaled 102 receptions and 1,430 yards. Last year, Breaston averaged 15.3 yards per catch and had 15 receptions that went for 20 or more yards.

Baldwin and Breaston join an expanding group of skill players that includes wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, running back Jamaal Charles and Cassel.

All three played in last season’s Pro Bowl.

Breaston will join the Chiefs today when they arrive at training camp at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. Their first practice is set for 3:30 p.m. tomorrow. They will also practice Saturday and Sunday at the same time.

The Chiefs have yet to announce the rest of their camp practice schedule.

“Our goal was to get through Friday, Saturday and Sunday and have it set and then be able to adjust as we go,” President Mark Donovan said. “The fans know it’s 3:30” the first three days. “They can come up to St. Joe, and we’ll be out there.

“One of the things we’ve talked about is how many night practices we’re going to have. That’s under discussion. We also need to figure out the weather. If it’s really hot every day, the coach may just shift practice later to beat the heat.”

The Chiefs are allowed only one practice per day in pads and helmets. They may on some days have another practice, but only without helmets and pads.

In other signing news, the Chiefs agreed to terms with safety Jon McGraw, a part-time starter last season, and seventh-round draft pick Shane Bannon, a fullback from Yale.